‘Home For The Holiday’ Perils

Maybe the holidays represent certain feelings for you. Memories from childhood, the spirit of giving or the changing of the seasons feels nice to some. Feelings of good past experiences can give us a sense of euphoria and excitement. I get that. The shopping for loved ones, baking of scrumptious goodies and the anticipation of spending time with loved ones. Peace on earth and good will to men, right? Perhaps.

Now, what I reminded you of some folks who have other plans about the holidays? Listen up.

You may not realize this is also the time of the year when you should be vigilant as to your surroundings. There are many career criminals waiting for an opportunity to cause havoc and theft. They do this every year and some are skilled at their trade. Every year, same time, they are plotting to break into something and take what is yours.

These folks watch for the time you leave your home and observe what you are carrying to your vehicle. Crooks will survey your property from afar, monitor what time you will be home and scrutinize over everything you take out of your car.

Senior family members are a huge target for these scoundrels. Have you ever grew up with a person who you know has a criminal record the size of a phone book, then find out they been dropping by yo’ moms’ crib? Oh really. Just to occasionally say, ‘hello’, your mother assures you. Most of the seniors still allow people from the ‘old days’ to drop by their homes. I mean that they open the door to them, even if they don’t let them come inside. They think that’s okay. It is not.

I experienced an incident today in which I had to speak with the police. Moving forward, I felt prompted to share some safety tips with you, friends.

The most important thing to take away from this is that you may be securing yourself well and have these tips on point. However, what about your mom, dad or granny and grandpa? Please be sure they are safe right now because you never know unless you ask them about these things.

Here are things I do, especially around Christmas time. You should always:

• Look around your dwelling and take note 📝 if you see something odd or out of place. Maybe your water hose is unraveled or your broom has been moved. Check things out no matter how small.
• Look around your vehicle before and after you get into it to make sure no one has tampered with it. Crooks will jimmy locks and windows for easy access and you may not notice if something is loose.
• Make sure your house is secure. No broken locks or unsealed windows.
• Do NOT let people see you unloading a trunk full of anything: gifts, groceries, even wood. If you live alone, you are just going to need to make some trips back to the car. If you have just so much stuff in your trunk, just call somebody to help you with that haul.
• Back your car into the drive way or garage and under no circumstances leave your trunk up! 🚘
• Have people get into the habit of calling you before they just drop by. Mhmmm…family too.📞
• Do not open your door to strangers. Talk to people through the door and verify that you know them. If a stranger persist in talking to you after you tell them you are not interested, call 9-1-1.SAMSUNG
• Do not stack your gifts under a Christmas tree where someone can look into your window. Criminals see that tree at the window and will assume you have things under it.

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• SAMSUNG

• Get to know the police officers that patrol your community. If you don’t know one officer who patrols your area, I suggest you go to your community outreach programs and get to know them.
  

  
• Need extra patrol in your neighborhood? There may be a number in your area to call just for that! Dallas area is 3-1-1.

Since I live in Dallas, I know more than a handful of Officers who are with the Dallas Police Department. I have met many officers by attending community events as my mother is with a line-dance group called The Dancing Divas and Dudes.

Dancing Divas and Dudes -Oak Cliff

A lot of officers recognize the name of the group because they dance at many Eventss sponsored by The Dallas Parks and Recreation along with DPD sponsored activities. So, when I had a concern, the lovely Officer Graham with DPD came right out and of course, she was familiar with ‘The Divas’!

Also, I like to get to know the City Council Members of my city. I’m just saying. Participate in open meetings and advise members of problems in your neighborhood.

So, with all that said, I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Have some more tips? Feel free to share them!

Leave a comment or email me at:

newsroom.eventss@gmail.com

-‘Tis the season to be vigilant 👀

Cassandra Cooper

Elegant Eventss PR

Editor and Chief

#DallasPoliceDepartment #DancingDivasAndDudes #seniors #DancingDivaLenaBoyd #DallasParksAndRecreation #safe #holidayseason #ChiefOnTheBeat #ElegantEventssPR #community #Dallas #McKinney #WomenInPolice #DallasPD #DPDInReview #OfficerGraham

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